Colorado U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner poised to become next chairman of National Republican Senatorial Committee

Colorado U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner is poised to become the next chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

The post will put the freshman lawmaker in a prominent national role as he leads Republican efforts to retain control of the U.S. Senate in 2018, The Denver Post reports.

Politico first reported Gardner's likely ascension Wednesday afternoon and Colorado Republicans confirmed Gardner was well-positioned to become NRSC chairman during a vote next week for the spot.

In an interview, Gardner sounded optimistic.

"Obviously, I've expressed my willingness to continue to fight for a majority that believes in limited government and economic opportunity for the people of this nation and that's what I'm going to do in any capacity I can," he said. "Right now, that is a real possibility."